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NHL Scout To Moderate Panel Discussion At DU

(above) Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke and his family have been advocates for diversity in sports since the passing of his son, Brenden, last year

Thursday is going to be a busy day at the University of Denver. Coach Gwozdecky will hosting a live chat on the DU Athletic Department Website, Jesse Martin will be discussing "Overcoming Adversity" in Ruffatto Hall and an NHL Scout will hosting a panel discussion on gays and lesbians in sports in the Driscoll Ballroom.

Patrick Burke, a scout for the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers and son of Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke—aims to create an educational conversation between currently-out athletes and an audience of students, players and coaches.

Athletes from around North America will be discussing issues relating surrounding gays in athletics. Burke's participation stems from his drive to continue work started by his late brother Brenden, who died tragically in an automobile accident last year. Brendan was an openly gay equipment manager of the University of Miami hockey team. In the wake of Brendan’s death, the Burke family vowed to continue the fight for equality in sports.

A Q&A session will follow the panel discussion. The panelists include Andrew Goldstein, former All-American goalie of the Dartmouth College lacrosse team; David Farber, former captain of the University of Pennsylvania hockey team; and Brandy Ranshaw, former U.S. Ski Team member and women’s pro circuit qualifier.

Where: The Driscoll Ballroom in the Driscoll Student Center on the University of Denver campus, 2055 East Evans.

When: Thursday, January 20, 2011, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.

Who:GForce Hockey Club is a multinational team of gay hockey players. The forum is co-sponsored by the University of Denver Undergrad Student Government; DU Gender & Women's Studies; DU Athletics & Recreation; and the Center for Multicultural Excellence.